We can easily replace them with more natural products that were traditionally used and work today just as well as they used to for our grandmothers.
Below you find the list of most common indoor air pollutants along with some tips, hints and warnings - to make everyone more aware of what they are bringing into - and using in their homes:
- everything can be effectively and safely cleaned with hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, salt, castille liquid soap, lemon juice and baking soda
- avoid using chlorine bleach and ammonia, which are found in most cleaning products and are irritating to the respiratory system
- replace aerosol air fresheners and scented candles with essential oils, fragrance sticks and candles, made of bee wax or soy
- chemicals that you can smell are a serious warning sign but there are also many silent, just as dangerous ones (like formaldehyde-based chemicals that make fabrics flame-retardant or formaldehyde in glues that hold lots of inexpensive furniture together and formaldehyde in "wrinkle-free” or "easy care" clothes and linens
- labels on the cleaners that have any kind of skull or crossbones are best to avoid
- other words that call for caution: use only in in well ventilated areas, poisonous, flammable, caustic or toxic
- VOCs* can be found in chemical cleaners, paints, vinyl materials and many other products, especially when they’re new. A process known as “degassing” means releasing chemicals into the air and that makes these products a health-risk
Photo "pollution" courtesy of sustaingreen
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18 comments:
I've tried to use more organic substances to clean with, and I just don't feel like they do the job. Any recommendations for combinations?
I believe you covered all of the pollutants that there is. thanks for sharing!
i love candles, but i never really am able to smell the scent when i burn them, so i've started using other forms of air fresheners, like glade.
I liked the pictures, very amusing:)
I didn't know about formaldehyde in wrinkle free clothes...very interesting.
I'm with you and in support of natural cleaning products wherever possible
Chances are you already have baking soda and white vinegar in your kitchen pantry. I use in combination to clean my tub...it works great and is not toxic. Just sprinkle in the bottom of the tub and spray on the white vinegar. It makes bubbles...when done scour with cleaning pad, rinse and you are done!
I read recently about the liquid cleaner used for the swiffer wetjet - supposedly it contains a product similar to anti-freeze and can make your pets sick - or worse...
It's also expensive, so I've started mixing water and vinegar to use instead to clean my hardwood floors.
Natural is alway better!
Thanks for sharing the list of things to clean with that are not toxic!! And the stuff that is bad for you!
your FL furiends,
That's a great list! Thanks for sharing! I need to try some more natural cleaners...
You know in the good old days... LOL! Truly thanks for all the work you put into trying to keep us all healthy :)
I am selfishly going green because of my health issues but thanks for the list. It will help me and I'd like to pass it along to others.
Oh geez, we left our comment under the wrong name!! That is is under As The Squillion World Spins!!! Have a wonderful day!
Your FL furiends,
Came back to reference a few of the indoor pollutants you talk about... came up in a conversation I was having with a friend. Thanks again!
What a wonderful post...Thanks for sharing!
Natural products are definitely the way to go
I think people would be shocked to see how much film their ceilings have from burning candles.
thanks for sharing
Wonderful post.
Tai Zejan
Overcoming Anxiety Attacks
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